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Resolution urges FAA to compare Woodbine site for St. Marys airport

ATLANTA – A resolution pending in the Georgia Senate asks the Federal Aviation Administration to stall its consideration of one site for relocating the St. Marys airport until it evaluates an additional site that could accommodate a spaceport as well.

Sen. William Ligon, R-Brunswick, introduced Senate Resolution 269 last week after he received a written request from the St. Marys City Council.

Relocating the airport has been under discussion since heightened security concerns following the terrorists attacks of 2001 because it is so close to the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base just 2 miles away. Consultants evaluating multiple sites in 2005 recommended a parcel near Woodbine, known as Site One, on 400 acres to be donated by the Sea Island Co.

Ligon’s resolution calls for consideration of a site at Harriet’s Bluff Road in Camden County where Union Carbide once had a plant. The new site would be well suited to a commercial spaceport as well as a commercial and general-aviation airport.

“It’s probably one of the best spots that would not be over population centers,” he said.

Commercial space flight is a growing industry, and some observers believe passenger rockets and satellite launches will become common and lucrative.

“There is a lot of excitement at the possibility of having a spaceport in Camden County because of the high-paying jobs and support businesses,” Ligon said.

Environmental groups have long argued that Site One was undesirable because it would require filling in 73 acres of wetlands and impact another 155.

Rep. Jason Spencer, R-Woodbine, said he received a copy of the city’s request and is aware of the issue, but he isn’t ready to commit to Ligon’s resolution until the two discuss it.

Spencer said his concern is financial. He isn’t willing to support anything that would add to the financial challenges of local taxpayers who are already confronted with major concerns.

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Resolution urges FAA to compare Woodbine site for St. Marys airport- By